THE OAK KING by Beth Buchanan
My review-
A wonderful Yule story that should become a family tradition:
This is the second offering in the series of The Wheel of the Year. As the wheel turns a battle must be fought to bring in the new season. Traditionally during Yule (Winter Solstice), the Oak King clashes with the Holly King.
In this powerful rendering, magic is afoot. This story draws character names from Welsh and Arthurian myths and legend. Gwythur experiences the rising of his potential and his call to action. It is restless and primal, but still doubt hangs in the air. Counseled by his wizened companion, Myrddin, Gwythur assesses the difficult living conditions of the people and his own readiness to fight. The writing is vivid and evocative. The struggle for life and the desire to turn the wheel underlies the very fabric of time itself. If Gwythur does not rise to the challenge or eventually fails, how can the people survive in the cold, darkness of perpetual winter frozen in time? The stakes could not be higher. Gwythur must confront Gywn. Still, the kings are evenly matched in this epic cyclical battle for survival. This metaphorical tale of seasonal change introduces young and old to the enduring earth-based religions’ legend of the Yule season. Each page of text contains a colorful illustration of the story helping to set the tone of the tale and keep children engaged. A wonderful read in front of the fire on those dark winter nights when we need reminders that spring and light will return.
To find the book: http://www.ninefirespress.com or buy on Amazon.
Photo credit: Cory Maylett, 2005
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